I imagined how it would feel for a child in a candy shop, spoilt for choice. I could see how someone would end up binging on everything within reach, even the stuff they did not plan on buying on the spot. Yes, that’s how I felt when I walked into the new Leroy Merlin hardware store in Little Falls last Thursday. A colleague passed me the invitation for a VIP media tour of the new store, not because I am the construction journalist in the office, but because of my…
Read MoreDay: 6 Sep 2019
How trailblazer Lebogang Zulu is changing the construction industry
Zulu has carved out a niche for herself in innovative building technology and is determined to transform the supply industry Trailblazing construction businessperson Lebogang Zulu has become the go-to person for fast and efficient delivery of construction projects, even for government. Zulu, who scooped a top sector award a fortnight ago at a prestigious ceremony at Emperors Palace, is, however, not known to many people outside the construction business. Born and raised in KwaThema in the east of Johannesburg, Zulu says she has always been assertive and passionate. During an…
Read MoreCost of truck strife ‘could run into billions’
The truck logistics industry contributes 11% of SA’s gross domestic product, estimated at R1.26 trillion in the second quarter of 2019. If all the knock-on effects of the ongoing truck violence, which has adversely threatened the economy of SA and the region, are taken into account, the final costs to the country could run into billions of rands, according to economist Mike Schussler. In quantifying losses incurred by the industry, the knock-on effect the violence has had on the economy and on consumers, Schussler said yesterday the xenophobic strife, sparked…
Read MoreToyota CEO: SA car industry could get R60bn boost in next 5 years
As much as R60 billion could be invested in the South African vehicle and component manufacturing industries in the next five years, according to Andrew Kirby, CEO of Toyota South Africa and president of National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). In a recent speech at the annual NAAMSA Conference in Kyalami, Kirby said the seven largest vehicle manufacturers are considering R40 billion in direct investments, with an additional R20 billion earmarked for component making. The industry wants to increase the use of locally-produced components in vehicles. “We…
Read MoreThe lack of women in manufacturing is a challenge that affects all of society
JOHANNESBURG – Industrialisation is an engine of economic growth and countries across Africa are taking commendable steps to boost the manufacturing sector. The African Continental Free Trade Area, which went into force in May this year, aims to create a single market for goods and services in Africa in order to facilitate industrialisation. Similarly, the African Union has committed to consider Africa’s manufacturing sector and prioritise it in its Agenda 2063. African governments are establishing special economic zones and developing flexible policies to attract investment. A report by US research…
Read MoreRand-Air’s training – investing in the ‘art of management’ to remain fresh and relevant
For any company to function successfully – and continue to be fresh and relevant in today’s ever-changing and challenging economic climate – a range of skills such as those found in sales or in the technical disciplines are required. However, these will not be effective without effective management expertise to integrate and provide strategic direction and leadership – which is one of the scarcest skills in the corporate field today. The art of management is a very particular asset and requires a wide range of capabilities. In addition, companies usually…
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